Prostitute killer released in Vancouver

MISSION  A man who beat a Regina prostitute to death in a case that outraged women's groups and Saskatchewan's aboriginal community was granted parole Friday, less than four years after his conviction.

Steven Kummerfield, a former university basketball star, was convicted in January 1997, for the 1995 beating death of Pamela Jean George and sentenced to 6½ years in prison.

The case gained national attention after the judge reminded jurors George "indeed was a prostitute."

Kummerfield has been on day parole since May, living at a halfway house in Vancouver. When his parole takes effect, likely early next week, he will continue to live in the area.